The Miraculous Power of Challah Baking

Challah - A Legacy of Our Ancestors, says the holy Zohar. Every time you engage in this deeply moving mitzvah, blessings are showered upon you from our ancestors and righteous forebears. Have you ever wondered which other nation makes such a poignant ceremony out of flour, yeast, and water? Where else do women's eyes shine with tears as they knead dough for simple bread? Only among the Jewish people. Do you know why? Because thousands of years ago, they joyfully and excitedly brought their challah to the Temple to give to the priests. And today? Today, without a Temple or priests, they lift it up to the Jerusalem in their hearts.

I write with tears as another year ends. Despite its challenges, I've had the privilege of leading dozens of challah and gratitude evenings. I've seen them — blushing brides in white dresses, kneading in bliss… I've seen expectant mothers in their ninth month, tears of anticipation streaming down their cheeks. I've shared in their joy as we sifted in shining kitchens of new homes, and cried with them in their sorrow and pain. We cried out together, prayed, opened the gates of Heaven — and we saw miracles! Because challah is a blessing, it's like weaving ropes of dough instead of the painful ropes of exile. Challah is protection, it brings salvation. You can't fathom how flour, yeast, and a little salt can rise into miracles beyond nature. Yes, many women conceived, singles found their partners, and we've witnessed miracles in livelihood and health through the power of this extraordinary feminine mitzvah. It's incredible!

For years, dedicated women from the Hiddabrut organization have been going out with great devotion, and the phones don't stop ringing... Women tearfully express gratitude and bless the moment they organized such evenings in their homes. They recount how each moment was precious, and they gained incredible strength and energy to continue their life journey. Yes, the women of Hiddabrut have been privileged to attend thousands of thanksgiving evenings for miracles that occurred as a result of previous gatherings. And you can participate too! By inviting women to such an evening, you're both giving and receiving. More importantly, your merit, as the hostess, is even greater than that of the teacher who comes to you. You are part of the strength and spiritual uplift each participant gains. Every blessing, every "Amen" — it's yours! Understand? You instantly become a source of merit for many. As Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai writes in the holy Zohar: Those who bring merit to many are blessed with descendants, both in this world and the next... wealth and riches will fill their home and their righteousness will endure forever... Heaven declares: Who is it that brings merit to people? Worthy are they to be crowned with royalty on their head, worthy to enter before the King... Who will be the next to open their home to this blessing... Rabbi Shimon promises: Those who merit the many, Hashem engraves their image beneath the Throne of Glory and blesses them. It’s amazing!

My sister, the time is now! Especially now, every evening is a diamond in the sky. Yes, those evenings, when we're all masked yet our lips whisper... when we're distanced yet so close... when the thirst is profound and each gathering is an act of commitment... Now, more than ever, let's bring joy to our Creator, let's ask, let's plead, because truly we have no one else to rely upon!

Invite a sacred evening into your home, adhering to all health guidelines, and we will come to you with hearts full of love and intention. Because connection is a blessing in every home.

To invite a home gathering, call: 073-222-1290